A historic farm on the Sanday coastline has been transformed into a unique Victorian experience after years of painstaking restoration work.
Visitors to the island will be able to immersive themselves in history with a trip back in time at Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Water Mill, which opened its doors to the public earlier this summer.
The Historic Environment Scotland-listed farm has been carefully reconstructed and curated into a living museum for guests to come, stay, and experience the life of a Victorian farming family.
The house, farm and water mill lie on Sanday's western coastline, and were continuously inhabited by the Fea family from 1762 to 2023, when they were passed to Jackie and Malcolm Sinclair.
Jackie and her business partner Dave Walker have lovingly restored the house to reflect the period between 1880 and 1950. During the renovation, the pair uncovered an immense collection of historic artefacts: 18th and 19th century furnishings, clothing, and lost personal treasures including unopened Christmas gifts from over a century ago.
Guests and visitors will be transported to a bygone era, sleeping in original Victorian beds, including a traditional Orcadian box bed, and surrounded by authentic furnishings and décor meticulously recreating the original patterns and colors.
Before and after at Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Water Mill
Beyond the house itself, the farm is home to restored barns housing historic farm implements beneath traditional turf roofs, and heritage breeds of livestock, vegetables and crops.
The nearby mill pond habit has been revitalised in partnership with RSPB Scotland and now supports a greater diversity of waders and coastal birds. Future plans include bringing the highly unique water mill itself back to life.
The story of Boloquoy, its history and its subsequent restoration feature in a new documentary film, which you can view below.
Jackie Sinclair said, “I’ve always loved Boloquoy, ever since the day I arrived on Sanday 30 years ago. As I drove past, it caught my eye immediately. The fields full of haystacks, the old water mill down by the sea - I wondered if I’d traveled back in time. It feels right that we are now returning the farm to its natural state, weaving together the stories of generations living in harmony with the landscape.”
Dave Walker said, “From the moment I first set foot in Boloquoy, there was no doubt in my mind that it had to be saved and preserved. This house has been a special place for generations of people, and hopefully many more now that guests can come to stay.”
Boloquoy Victorian Farmhouse & Water Mill is now open for tours and afternoon teas, and will be welcoming its first residential guests in 2026.
Find out more on the official website.